The Ruby Throated Hummingbird and Its Stamp

Front:
ASRINGTON JUN 15 1992 20066 29 Balke DC Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Back:
RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD First Day of Issue: June 15, 1992 First Issue Location: Washington, D.C. "Its gorgeous throat in beauty and brilliance baffles all competition. Now it goes to a fiery hue, and again is changed to the deepest velvety black." Thus wrote the great naturalist, John James Audubon, of the Ruby- throated Hummingbird. Audubon — like many before and since — was entranced by the little flying jewel. The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the best known of North America's Hummingbirds, for it is found regularly in eastern North America. Ranging from Panama to Nova Scotia, the Ruby-throated Hummingbird also has one of the most impressive migrations of the hummingbirds, although not quite as great as that of the Rufous Hum- mingbird. However, the Ruby-throated Hummingbird must cross the vast expanse of the Gulf of Mexico in one shot, an astounding accomplishment for such a small bird. Yet, with enough fat reserves, the Ruby-throated Hummingbird is able to make the journey without mis- hap. After crossing, it will stop off in the Gulf Coast states to build reserves once again. No. 92-49 First Day of Issue Postcard Collection™ ©1992 Fleetwood®, Cheyenne, WY 82008-0001 Original painting for the First Day of Issue Postcard by Don Balke Fleetwood OFFICIAL FIRST DAY OF ISSUE POSTCARD NATIONAL AUDUBON SOCIETY®